Duqm: International Seafood Company (Simak), a leading player in Oman’s fisheries sector, has reinforced its position as a key contributor to the nation’s economic diversification and sustainable growth. The company, a strategic partnership between the Oman Investment Authority and Qatar’s Al Hasad Company, is scaling its operations with ambitious plans to expand into shrimp and abalone production, sectors with significant potential for export growth and economic impact.
Simak’s move into shrimp and abalone production is part of its strategy to diversify its product offerings and tap into lucrative global markets. Shrimp farming, which has shown high profitability in various coastal regions globally, is well-suited to Oman’s coastal waters. Abalone, a premium seafood product, is already in demand in markets such as East Asia, known for its culinary and medicinal applications. These expansions will complement Simak’s existing operations while opening new revenue streams.
Zakariya Sulaiman Abdullah Al Hasni, CEO of Simak said, "Currently producing a staggering 100 million cans of tuna and sardines annually, Simak has become one of the largest value-added fish product factories in the Middle East. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in its adoption of a “zero waste” policy, utilising production waste to manufacture fish powder and fish oil, which are economically viable by-products.
The company’s facility in Duqm is ideally positioned to support these plans. The region’s rich fish resources, coupled with strategic infrastructure like Duqm Port, provide an excellent base for scaling operations. The new shrimp and abalone production lines are expected to create additional job opportunities and foster closer collaborations with local fishermen, ensuring sustainable sourcing and boosting community livelihoods.
Al Hasni emphasised Simak’s broader vision: “Simak is an international company for marine products. It is a target for sustainable economic growth, which reflects the Oman Vision 2040. Our goal is to build a diversified and sustainable seafood portfolio that not only serves Oman but also reaches Gulf, Middle Eastern, and global markets.” With these expansions on the horizon, Simak is set to play a pivotal role in advancing Oman’s blue economy, supporting the nation’s goals of economic diversification and sustainable resource utilisation.
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